High School Cell-Phone and Technology Policy

The High School Cell-Phone and Technology Policy issue emerged from ongoing community input on digital distractions, data privacy, and AI tools in schools.

At the April 1, 2026 school-committee meeting, student representatives shared feedback on the existing phone caddy system and raised concerns about a potential bell-to-bell ban, while public comments highlighted harms of digital technology, one-to-one devices, data privacy in apps, impacts on sensory learning, and lack of parental control over school devices; one resident supported policy development using research on student anxiety and loneliness. The committee then conducted a question-by-question review of a draft survey to gather input on the high school cell phone policy.

This led directly to the April 14, 2026 meeting where the committee discussed upcoming state legislation on cell phones and social media and decided to halt the planned cell phone survey to await DESE model policy, citing the shifting legislative landscape amid high community engagement on technology monitoring and privacy.

By the May 6, 2026 meeting, the committee agreed to request a comprehensive technology presentation from administration in the fall and to solicit committee and parent feedback by June 1, building on prior public concerns about ad-supported tools and screen time.